Help with front bulb replacement

**Ardent** · 1st December 2009, 16:07

Hi all

Hoping you can help me replace a blown front bulb in my '04 Vectra C. Please see image below for bulb in question:

Sorry if these come across as really dumb questions:

1) What's the correct term/name for this particular lamp/bulb? I see a lot references to offside, nearside etc and I'm not sure which one it is...

2) What would you guys recommed in terms of a xenon bulb? Also, where's a good online shop to buy them from?

3) Will the bumper have to come off in order to replace them? The manual seems to suggest you can access the bulbs from the bonnet...

Thanks!

**yadziyad** · 1st December 2009, 16:09

you can access it but it is easier if you remove the bumper, go for osram nightbreakers or hids if you can afford them as they are the best. try ebay sorry forgot to add they are h7 bulbs both sides are the same so offside or nearside wont make diff

**Ardent** · 1st December 2009, 18:20

Thanks for that. When I'm searching on ebay, am I looking for "sidelights"?

**Stuarty** · 1st December 2009, 18:38

No dont remove the bumper to replace ur headlight bulb there is no need just remove the airbox for better access

**Ardent** · 1st December 2009, 18:44

Do you guys think these would work out ok?

http://cgi.ebay.ie/Hid-Xenon-2x-H7-R...item3357e77cd1

Do I need an adapter or anything?

**the scouser** · 1st December 2009, 18:44

That's the dipped or low beam, it is an H7. Don't take the bumper off! This is a 3 minute job.

Open the bonnet. Take off the rubber dust cap. Dead easy. Grip the black plastic connector block between your fingers and twist it slightly, I think anti-clockwise. The bulb and holder will release from the headlamp reflector surround. Bulb pulls off. Be sure to avoid getting finger prints on the new bulbs glass, as it gets real hot. Assembly is the reverse. It is quicker to do the job than to type the instructions! On the other side you have to pull out the neck of the washer bottle, but thats dead easy too, it's designed to be moveable.

I've not found expensive bulbs to be any brighter or longer lasting than cheap ones. A Halfords trade card gets them for peanuts.

Get cheap ones and put spares in the boot, if you ever get stopped for a blown bulb, they are unlikely to give you a ticket if you can show you are prepared!

....I'm a night taxi driver, I get plenty of practise on bulbs